Mr Kelly, currently An Garda Síochána’s deputy commissioner for security, strategy and governance, will take over from Drew Harris.

He has more than 30 years’ policing experience, particularly in relation to combatting organised crime groups and safeguarding the security of the State.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said he was pleased to appoint Mr Kelly to “one of the most challenging and impactful leadership positions in Ireland’s public service”.

“I am satisfied that Justin Kelly is both qualified and particularly well suited to the role of commissioner given his extensive leadership experience over the last 30 years in some of the most challenging issues facing An Garda Síochána including national security, domestic and sexual violence, and organised crime,” he said.

“I know Justin is fully committed to providing a high visibility, highly trusted policing service to the public in keeping with the Garda mission of ‘keeping people safe’.”

Mr Harris will continue to lead An Garda Síochána until 1 September 2025, at which time he will retire after 41 years of service to policing on the island of Ireland, including a total of seven years as Garda commissioner.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “There will be further opportunities over the next month to reflect on Commissioner Harris’s contribution, but I really want to recognise his leadership and commitment over the last seven years.

“The government is very grateful to him for leading An Garda Síochána with such dedication, skill and integrity.

“It is a measure of his steady and effective leadership that the organisation maintains very high levels of public trust after what had been a very turbulent period for An Garda Síochána prior to his appointment.”